Is Back Market Worth It? A Step-by-Step User Perspective

New phones are expensive. Laptops cost as much as rent. And yet, technology doesn’t have to drain your wallet. That’s the appeal of Back Market, a global marketplace built around refurbished electronics.

But what’s it actually like to buy from them? Let’s walk through the experience as a user, from browsing to unboxing — with all the ups, downs, and surprises in between.

Why Choose Refurbished in the First Place?

There are three big reasons people look at refurbished devices:

• Price: A refurbished iPhone or laptop can cost hundreds less than new.
• Sustainability: Extending a gadget’s life reduces e-waste and carbon emissions.
• Value mindset: Many buyers realize they don’t need “brand new,” just reliable.

That’s the space Back Market wants to own — making refurbished feel mainstream rather than second-class.

First Impressions: Discovering Back Market

Browsing Back Market’s site feels similar to Amazon or Best Buy, but every listing is for a refurbished device. They operate across multiple regions — the UK site, Australia, and more — and they also have an Android app for mobile buyers.

Their social presence reinforces the brand: quirky campaigns on Instagram, updates on LinkedIn, and a large community on Facebook and X.

The vibe? Bold, irreverent, and eco-conscious.

Browsing and Filtering Devices

The search filters are where Back Market stands out. You can sort by:

• Condition tiers — Fair, Good, Excellent, Premium.
• Warranty — all devices include at least a 1-year warranty.
• Seller ratings — each refurbisher is scored based on past customer feedback.

The company doesn’t own stock; instead, it connects you to vetted refurbishers. Each one has to pass quality checks before being allowed on the platform.

Placing an Order: Behind the Scenes

When you hit “buy,” your order isn’t shipped from a Back Market warehouse. Instead, it’s routed to a refurbisher in their network. That partner is responsible for re-testing, cleaning, packaging, and shipping the device.

As TechCrunch reported, this distributed model is central to how Back Market scales: it’s a marketplace first, a brand second.

Unboxing and First Tests

The big moment: the box arrives. Most buyers report quick shipping, with packaging that feels professional rather than “second-hand.”

What to test first:

• Battery health — does it hold a charge near the promised 80%+?
• Screen quality — scratches, dead pixels, touch response.
• Ports and camera — fully functional?
• Cosmetics vs description — does “Good” condition match your expectation?

On Reddit, some buyers note mismatches — e.g., ordering “Good” but receiving a device with heavier scratches. This is where the return policy comes in.

Warranty, Returns, and Support

Every purchase comes with a 12-month warranty and a 30-day return policy (Back Market quality promise). If your phone isn’t as expected, or if issues pop up later, you can request a replacement or refund.

Customer support experiences vary. On Trustpilot US and UK Trustpilot, many users praise quick refunds and helpful agents. Others say support can feel slow when disputes involve third-party refurbishers.

When Things Go Wrong: Real Stories

No marketplace is perfect. Some Redditors describe buying a “Good” condition iPhone only to find scratches that should have counted as “Fair.” Others mention delays in refund processing.

The upside? Most of these cases were resolved with refunds or replacements. Back Market seems committed to fixing issues, but the distributed seller model means inconsistency is still possible.

Selling or Trading In Your Device

Back Market isn’t just for buyers. Through its Pro platform, refurbishers and sellers can list devices, and customers can trade in old gadgets for credit.

Trade-in pricing may be lower than selling directly, but the convenience appeals to many. It also feeds Back Market’s circular economy model — devices re-enter the market instead of ending up as e-waste.

Living With a Refurbished Device

So how do these devices hold up long-term? For most buyers, very well. Phones and laptops function normally; battery performance is the main variable.

Back Market’s recent partnership with iFixit signals a push toward 5-year usability, making refurbished devices more sustainable over time.

Final Verdict: A Buyer’s Perspective

Back Market isn’t flawless, but it’s legit.

• If you’re budget-conscious, it offers big savings.
• If you’re eco-conscious, it reduces your carbon footprint.
• If you’re picky about “like-new” quality, Apple’s refurb store might be safer.

The bottom line: Back Market is best approached with realistic expectations. Read the seller ratings, check the warranty, and test the device promptly. Do that, and it can be one of the smartest ways to buy tech today.

FAQs About Back Market

1. Is Back Market legit?
Yes. Back Market is a vetted marketplace that partners with certified refurbishers. Every device comes with a 12-month warranty and 30-day return policy.

2. What does “refurbished” mean on Back Market?
Devices are tested, repaired if needed, and graded by cosmetic condition (Fair, Good, Excellent, Premium). They are fully functional with at least 80% battery health.

3. Does Back Market sell new devices?
No. All products are refurbished or renewed. The platform focuses on circular economy and sustainability.

4. Is Back Market cheaper than Apple or Amazon Renewed?
Often yes, because it has more sellers and wider condition tiers. However, Apple’s refurb store usually offers the most “like new” quality.

5. Can I sell my old device on Back Market?
Yes. Through its trade-in program, you can sell old devices for cash or credit. Prices may be lower than direct resale, but it’s quick and convenient.